Judging Panel Revealed in Inaugural Whisky Awards

The national awards programme for Scotch whisky has unveiled its judging panel as the competition opens for entry for the first time.

The Scottish Whisky Awards has recruited a panel of 45 experts including 7 of some of the world’s best whisky tasters who will be trusted to assess samples in the new annual competition.

Included in the international line-up are judges from across the UK as well as Taiwan, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, France and Germany.  Many will gather in Edinburgh later this year to judge 16 categories which cover both business achievements and taste.

Professor Alan Wolstenholme, Chair of the Judging Panel, welcomed the news, commenting:

“Invitations to join the Scottish Whisky Awards have gone around the world and we are delighted at the positive responses which allow us to gather together one of the most influential and highly regarded whisky competitions of the current day.

“Scotch is in the middle of an exciting revival.  These awards will promote our unique position as the global leader in the craft of whisky distilling at home and abroad.  For Scottish distillers, blenders and bottlers, winning a Scottish Whisky Award will project our best products across the world and further promote our position as the home of whisky.”

Alan Wolstenholme, Chair of the Scottish Whisky Awards

MEET THE JUDGES

The panel is split with judges serving on either a business panel or a taste panel.  The business panel assesses written entries which companies must submit in order to qualify for the taste competition.  The taste panel meets at the end of May in Edinburgh to assess what is expected to be one of the most exciting line ups of traditional and modern whiskies.

The taste competition will be operated under strict blind tasting conditions and will assess four main categories of Scotch; Single Malt, Blend, Blended Malt and a Speciality category.   Six business categories are also open to entry and include Brand Experience, Tourism Destination and Community Contribution.  The ultimate award of the programme is for Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year, presented to the distillery team which has demonstrated a successful year in people, product and profit.

According to statistics published by HM Revenue and Customs, the export value of Scotch whisky grew by 7.8% to £4.7 billion in total last year, with exports to the US rising to £1.04 billion.

The programme has been created by PR and events company, KDMedia who have 17 years’ experience running awards events.

ENTER NOW

Benromach weds heavily peated barley with Sherry casks for limited release

Distillery unveils Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured 

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has announced the release of Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured (59.9% ABV), a rich and intense limited-batch expression. Carefully handcrafted using heavily peated Scottish barley, just 6,500 bottles are available in selected markets worldwide from 8^th March 2019.

Matured in First Fill Sherry hogsheads and laid down in 2010 before being bottled in 2018, Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured offers whisky lovers elegant fruit flavours while heightening the smoky notes Benromach is known for.

With a beautiful dark amber hue from the time spent maturing in Sherry hogsheads, the whisky’s sweet flavours are balanced with a hint of white pepper, which gives way to dried fruits complemented by Sherry undertones. The lingering finish offers a seriously smoky edge.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “This is the first time Benromach has released a Sherried Peat Smoke expression and we’re very proud of its unique flavour profile. This expression perfectly balances the smokiness with the sweeter Sherry notes, giving rise to a spectacularly rich and intense dram.

“At Benromach, we handcraft all our whiskies which allows us the flexibility to experiment with different distilling and maturation techniques. Our small batch releases have enjoyed considerable success in the past and for those that enjoy Benromach’s classic style with a wisp of smoke, we’re confident that this new expression will be particularly popular.’’

Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured is presented in an elegant bottle with shapes and textures inspired by the Speyside distillery. The copper cut medallion on the packaging signifies the moment in time when the distillers cut to the sweet heart of the spirit run.

Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured has a recommended retail price (RRP) of €74.99 (£64.99). Prices in local markets will vary depending on local taxes and duty.

Benromach is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to use only traditional methods, without any automated machinery. The small team of distillers employ all their senses when crafting the classic Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, managing the process by sight, sound and touch to create the unique, handcrafted and authentic Benromach taste.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the range of expressions available, please visit: www.benromach.com.

Notes to Editors

Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured Tasting Notes

Colour

A beautiful dark amber hue from many years of maturation in First Fill Sherry hogsheads.

Nose

Hints of honey cured meats mingling with orange marmalade.

Palate

Sweet top notes and a hint of warming white pepper appear, followed by touches of dried fruits. Delicate hints of ginger develop on the tongue with a lingering edge of bonfire embers on the finish.

The addition of water reveals rich fruits, tangy citrus and delicate hints of spice before Sherry gives way to rich smooth chocolate and a lingering edge of seriously smokiness.

Benromach Distillery
Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

SON OF A PEAT IS BACK BUT HE WON’T HANG AROUND FOR LONG, CATCH HIM WHILE YOU CAN

NEW YORK, NY March 4 2019 – Flaviar today announces the long-awaited return of Son of a Peat, with the release of Son of a Peat Batch 02, an unapologetically peated blended malt Scotch.

Son of a Peat was designed to provide a lip-smacking, smoking gun delight to whisky lovers at an approachable price. It certainly did just that. Son of a Peat Batch 01 received critical acclaim from the industry and consumers alike and sold out in record time.

Son of a Peat Batch 02 is now ready for release and is more than a worthy heir to Son of a Peat’s legacy. It shares the same DNA just with a touch more maturity and sherry richness to make the dram ever more complex yet just as smooth.

Each batch is unique and in short supply, but this is a dram to be enjoyed. Son of a Peat craves company and so members will be able to buy up to three bottles each, subject to availability; one to open, one to gift and one to save for later.

All 2,000 bottles will be available via a lottery system, exclusively to Flaviar members, so everyone gets the same chance to get their hands on this complex, commanding whisky bottled at the peak of its powers. Expect another dark, intense yet strangely warm and welcoming dram from the
ever-mysterious Son of a Peat.

Son of a Peat Batch 02 packs a powerful punch, weighing in at 47.2% ABV. It has been treated with the utmost of respect with each drop being hand blended, bottled, sealed and labelled to protect this most peaty of private labels. Son of a Peat is not to be messed with and so it is brought to you with no added color and non-chill filtered.

Grisa Soba, co-founder of Flaviar, comments: “Years of analyzing data and customer reviews on our platform has helped us understand what a perfect peated malt is for our members, and also what someone new to peated whisky, would enjoy as their first experience of a peated Scotch. With Son of a Peat we’ve been able to satisfy both camps, those that have already fallen for peat and those just starting to explore the peated Scotch world.

“We took our time in creating Batch 02 as it is important to follow up with a dram just as commanding and complex as Batch 01 and which pays serious homage to the peat. As part of our mission to democratize the spirits world – given demand is expected to be high, we’re selling via a lottery system, so every member gets the same chance at scoring a bottle or three at a decent price.”

Register on flaviar.com by 11th March to be in with a chance of bagging a bottle of  Son of a Peat Batch 02. Lucky whisky lovers will be notified by 12th March about whether or not, they get to add this delicious dram to their dream home bar.

Son of a Peat Batch 02 tasting note:

On the palate, there are the usual suspects, peat and smoke with notions of seaweed that take you back tothe Scottish shores. Quickly now, the sweetness of sherry and honeysuckle step forward and clear the smoke, but just for a bit, until the journey continues towards more earthy, oaky and woody flavor nuances. The finish is buttery and long-lasting.

Son of a Peat Batch 02 key facts:

ABV: 47.2%
Volume: 750 ml
Price: $65.00
Style: Blended malt whisky
Country: Scotland
Regions: Islay, Islands, Speyside and Highlands
No of single malts in blend: 9
Age: Up to 20 years old
Cask type: Aged in hogshead, sherry butt casks and used bourbon casks
Style: Blended malt whisky, Non-chill filtered, natural color
Special treatment: Hand blended, bottled, sealed and labeled
No of bottles: 2,000
Status: Son of a Peat Batch 02, launches March 4 2019

Website: sonofapeat.com

ABOUT FLAVIAR

About Flaviar – A members-only community for adventurous spirits enthusiasts. Flaviar is a direct-to-consumer spirits club dedicated to the discovery and enjoyment of fine spirits.

Born out of a frustration with how inaccessible the spirits industry is, Flaviar provides members with unparalleled access and encouragement to explore the world of fine spirits.

Flaviar’s tasting boxes and live experiences showcase everything from small craft producers, sought after names and true hidden gems. Members can access rare spirits from The Vault as well as exclusive bottlings and special private labels at members only prices. Combining straight-talking insider info with personalized recommendations and easy to understand flavor guides, Flaviar helps members cut through a sea of spirits and create an enviable home bar filled with interesting new favorites.

Membership to Flaviar is available for an annual fee of $210. To learn more about Flaviar and to become a member, visit www.Flaviar.com.

Tasting is Believing.

Secret Spirits Press Release – 6^th Edition Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar Indiegogo Campaign

For 5 years Secret Spirits has taken over 10,000 whisky loving pilgrims on Scotch Whisky Adventures through their independently bottled Scotch Whisky Advent Calendars.

This year they are combining the tradition and heritage of Scotch Whisky with the modern era of E-Commerce and online crowdfunding.

On the 1^st March Secret Spirits began their campaign to raise money for the production of their 6^th edition. For 43 days whisky lovers will have their chance to join the Secret Spirits whisky adventure train and secure their calendar.

The 6^th edition will not be hitting traditional bricks and mortar retailers for the first time as Secret Spirits looks to engage consumers and let them have a say in the whiskies being sourced this year.

Weekly videos, whisky tastings and an array of whisky perks will keep consumers enthralled for the entire duration of the Campaign.

THE CAMPAIGN 

If you love whisky and love journeys, then don’t miss out on Secret Spirits 6^th edition. They promise mystery, discovery and delight in every box of whisky adventure.

www.secretspirits.com

Photo Credit NORR

Designs for new distillery unveiled

Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled images of the new distillery the company hopes to build in the Cairngorm National Park in Scotland.

The distillery, which would be built at Craggan near Grantown-on-Spey, has been designed to take advantage of stunning views across the River Spey to the Cairngorm mountains.

The circular design of the building would disguise much of the day to day working of the distillery within the service yard. Sedum roofs will help the buildings blend into the surrounding environment when viewed from higher ground.

More than 150 people visited the exhibition and viewed the plans, which included computer generated images of the distillery and associated buildings.

The family owned firm, who also own Benromach Distillery at Forres, announced last year that it hopes to build a second distillery at Craggan. The production rate will start at 375,000 litres per year, although the distillery will be capable of producing 2 million litres of alcohol in the longer term.

Response locally to the plans has been overwhelmingly positive. Ewen Mackintosh, Gordon & MacPhail’s managing director, said they had been delighted at the response at an event held as part of the planning process. “We’re really pleased at the number of people who came along to see our plans, we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. People are saying how excited they are to see a distillery being proposed for the area as they believe it has the potential to support Grantown-on-Spey as a destination and encourage visitors to stay longer in the town.”

Gordon & MacPhail has been working closely with architects NORR to create the designs for the distillery, the first new build Scotch malt whisky distillery to be built in the Cairngorm National Park.

Members of the fourth generation of the Urquhart family, owners of Gordon & MacPhail, were at the exhibition to hear the views of the local community and emphasise the company’s commitment to the area.

As Stuart Urquhart, Gordon & MacPhail Operations Director, explained: “We are a longstanding family-owned business with strong roots and commitment to the north of Scotland. Building and operating our second distillery is part of our generational plan to grow a long-term sustainable business, whilst continuing to be part of the fabric of the local community.”

Gordon & MacPhail is a family owned business which has built its knowledge and experience of the Scotch whisky industry over a 120-year history. In 1993, the Urquhart family realised a long-held ambition when they acquired Benromach Distillery and reopened it after extensive refurbishment in 1998.

A member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail, Benromach Distillery attracts around 15,000 visitors to the area every year, a figure they aim to increase further with the opening of their Red Door Gin visitor experience this year.

Notes

Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd trades as Gordon & MacPhail and owns Benromach Distillery. Owned by the Urquhart family, with headquarters in Elgin, Moray, the business employs 160 people.

Benromach Distillery is based in the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, Moray. Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

Last year the company released Red Door Gin, named after the distinctive red doors which are a feature of Benromach Distillery. The Red Door Gin visitor experience aims to significantly increase the number of visitors to the distillery in the coming years.

Highland Golf Links Pro Am 2019 sponsored by Tomatin 

TOMATIN RETURNS AS SPONSOR OF HIGHLAND GOLF LINKS PRO AM 

Globally-renowned whisky distillers Tomatin are returning as headline sponsors of a prestigious Pro Am golf tournament over three of Scotland’s finest links courses.

The annual event, now known as the Highland Golf Links Pro Am 2019 sponsored by Tomatin, will be played over the famous championship courses at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Castle Stuart Golf Links and The Nairn Golf Club.

The 54-hole event, to be held from 30 September to 2 October, will be one of the richest on the PGA in Scotland Tour and will be limited to 60 teams.

In addition to the first place cheque, the winning professional will pick up a unique prize of a bottle of 50-Year-Old Tomatin single malt which has been bottled exclusively for the event with an estimated value of £10,000.

The event has also attracted new corporate partners TaylorMade and Black Isle Brewery.

Tomatin were the tournament’s original sponsors, from 2012-2015, and helped establish it as one of the most coveted events on the Scottish golfing calendar.

Stephen Bremner, Managing Director at Tomatin, said: “We are delighted to again be sponsoring this renowned event played over three magnificent links courses.

“The mix of quality golfing in beautiful locations with excellent food and drink really showcases what the Highlands has to offer. This is the perfect fit for us and our markets at home and abroad.”

The event is already attracting significant interest from home and abroad. A capacity field would see 240 players – one professional and three amateurs – tee up at Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart and Nairn.

Castle Stuart has hosted the Scottish Open on four occasions and last year was the venue for the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy. Royal Dornoch staged the Boys Home Internationals in 2018 and previously hosted the Scottish Amateur Championship on three occasions and also The Amateur Championship and the international Jacques Leglise Trophy. Nairn, which has been home to both the Walker Cup and Curtis Cup, held the Boys Amateur Championship in 2017.

Stuart McColm, general manager of Castle Stuart Golf Links, who is leading the organising team, said: “The Highland Golf Links Pro Am has become a must-play event for golfers, from both home and abroad, who enjoy the challenge of links golf at three of our best courses.

“We are delighted to have Tomatin back as headline sponsor. Scotland is synonymous with golf and whisky and this renewed partnership will help elevate the event to new heights.

“We are also extremely grateful to new corporate partners, TaylorMade and Black Isle Brewery for their valuable support, as well as The PGA for their help in running this showcase event.”

The Pro Am is open to teams of four players from anywhere in the world consisting of three amateurs (ladies or gentlemen) plus a professional of their choice. Teams that do not include a pro are allocated a leading player from the PGA in Scotland Order of Merit.

Shona Malcolm, The PGA’s Regional Manager for Scotland, said: “The Highland Golf Links Pro Am is one of the first events that the top Tartan Tour players register for when the playing schedule is announced each year.

“The tournament provides a combination of three great links golf courses, keen competition and social opportunities, and we at The PGA look forward to working with the organisers and sponsors to make the 2019 staging of the event the best yet.”

Catriona Sutherland, from Black Isle Brewery, said: “We’re proud of our Highland provenance and delighted to bring Black Isle organic beer to this year’s Highland Golf Links Pro Am.”

For more information on The Highland Golf Links Pro Am sponsored by Tomatin visit www.hglproam.com

THE DUBLIN LIBERTIES SETS SIGHTS HIGH WITH NEW PRESTIGE EXPRESSIONS

Hot on the heels of its recent distillery launch, the team behind The Dublin Liberties Distillery has revealed three new, aged, single malt expressions and a stylish, new look for its award-winning Dublin Liberties Irish whiskey range.

Created by renowned Master Distiller, Darryl McNally, the three, small batch, aged expressions include the 13 year old The Dublin Liberties Murder Lane, the 16 year old The Dublin Liberties Keeper’s Coin and the 27 year old The Dublin Liberties King of Hell.

The Dublin Liberties Murder Lane is a 13 year old, tripled-distilled single malt, with 46% abv and matured in bourbon casks and finished in Hungarian Tokaj casks.  Made with 100% Irish malt and priced at €160[1], this whiskey is brimming with sweet aromas of marzipan, almonds and vanilla with flavours of apricot, coconut and white peach to taste.

Also with 46% abv, the 16 Year Old Dublin Liberties Keeper’s Coin is a single malt, triple-distilled, Irish whiskey made from 100% Irish malt, priced at €340.[2] Matured in first-fill bourbon casks and finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, this is a smooth, full-flavoured whiskey, with a rich honey sweetness to finish.

Each batch of Dublin Liberties Murder Lane and Dublin Liberties Keeper’s Coin will be numbered. All casks have been hand-selected by Master Distiller, Darryl McNally.

The pinnacle of the new collection is the 27-Year-Old Dublin Liberties King of Hell, which is available exclusively on numbered release and is presented in a stylish case. Aged in the highest quality, first fill, bourbon casks, the King of Hell is finished in rare Bordeaux Premier Cru casks and bottled at 46% abv. Each bottle of this triple-distilled, 100% Irish single malt whiskey is numbered and will also have an authenticity card individually signed by Master Distiller, Darryl McNally, inside the case. With only 50 bottles produced in the initial batch release, this rare whiskey is priced at €2700[3].

Available to selected outlets in Ireland and to Global Travel Retail customers from this month, the new expressions join stablemates, The Dublin Liberties Copper Alley 10 Year Old and The Dublin Liberties Oak Devil 5 Year Old in the all-aged Irish whiskey range. The three new expressions will be rolled out to other markets worldwide later this year. All five expressions will be sold in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop at the distillery and visitor experience, which welcomed its first paying visitors this week following last week’s launch events.

Through their evocative names and intricate illustrations, each whiskey in the Dublin Liberties series tells a legendary story from the Liberties colourful history in the 17^th and 18^th Century, where the distillery is located. With the new range, Master Distiller Darryl McNally and his team at the Dublin Liberties Distillery are aiming to bring a fresh, new perspective to Irish whiskey-making and reinvigorate the high end of the category, as McNally explains;

“Irish whiskey is my passion and to be able to play a part in continuing its growth is a real honour for me. I see innovation in the super premium plus segment as key to continuing the impressive growth Irish whiskey has seen in recent years, so with The Dublin Liberties, we’re embracing an experimental approach with unique finishes for our aged malts unlike anything else on the market. We’re incredibly proud of the new expressions we’ve created and we’re confident that the new Dublin Liberties whiskies will become collectors’ items in their own right.”

With stocks of aged Irish whiskey increasingly rare due to growing global demand, The Dublin Liberties expressions are expected to be well received by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors around the world. The new Dublin Liberties Distillery is also expected to be a big hit on Dublin’s whiskey tourism scene in the year ahead, with over 70,000 visitors expected in the next year.

For further information about the Dublin Liberties Distillery, visit thedld.com.

ABOUT THE DUBLIN LIBERTIES DISTILLERY

The Dublin Liberties Distillery opened its doors for the first time in February 2019. A working distillery in the heart of the Dublin’s Liberties district, Ireland’s historic whiskey capital, The Dublin Liberties Distillery is majority owned by Quintessential Brands Group, in partnership with Stock Spirits.

thedld.com

Twitter @wearethedld

Insta/Facebook @dublinlibertiesdistillery #wearethedld 

ABOUT QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS GROUP

Quintessential Brands is an award-winning international spirits company, dedicated to distilling and crafting the world’s best alcohol brands for consumers and customers globally. Pioneering spirits of the industry, inspired since 1761 by their founder, Thomas Dakin, Quintessential Brands Group delivers a diverse portfolio of award-winning, best-selling spirits with unrivalled heritage and craftsmanship.

Founded in 2011 by Enzo Visone, former CEO of Gruppo Campari, and entrepreneur, Warren Scott, Quintessential Brands Group owns world-class manufacturing facilities across Europe, including G&J Distillers, the world’s oldest continuous gin distillers, in Cheshire, UK; L&L in France, a leading manufacturer of fruit spirits and liqueurs; Irish Cream artisan producers, First Ireland Spirits; and the Dublin Liberties Distillery, launched in February 2019. Renowned for its white spirits expertise at G&J Distillers, Quintessential Brands has won International Spirit Challenge Gin Producer of the Year three times and is fast winning a reputation as one of the most exciting Irish whiskey producers to emerge on the scene.

Quintessential Brands’ award-winning premium brands portfolio includes Greenall’s The Original Handcrafted Gin, BLOOM London Dry Gin, Thomas Dakin Small Batch Gin, Berkeley Square London Dry Gin, and Opihr Gin. Its Irish brands include The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, The Dublin Liberties Irish Whiskey, The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, Feeney’s Irish Cream Liqueur and O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream. Liqueurs in the portfolio include Alizé and Toussaint Coffee Rum Liqueur. The company is also a leader in contract bottling and own label & private label spirits, working with retail partners across the world to provide spirits solutions of unrivalled quality.

quintessentialbrands.com

http://spiritsolutions.quintessentialbrands.com

[1] Retail price in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop

[2] Retail price in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop

[3] Retail price in the Dublin Liberties Distillery shop

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Launches Partnership with National Volunteer Fire Council to Support Volunteer Firefighters 

Entertainer Chase Rice Hosts Intimate Concert as Part of Contest for Firefighters and Guests 

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (Feb. 27, 2019) – To celebrate and support the nearly 70 percent of firefighters who volunteer their service, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire has announced a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). A donation of $75,000 will be made by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire to the NVFC to help support volunteer firefighters nationwide.

The NVFC is a nonprofit membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. The organization serves as an advocate for the volunteer on the national level and provides needed programs and resources to first responders addressing critical needs such as safety, health, recruitment, retention, training, funding and more.

“There are over 800,000 firefighters across the country who volunteer to serve and protect their communities, and we work to make sure these heroes have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said NVFC Chair Kevin D. Quinn. “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire shares our passion for and dedication to the fire service, and we are excited to partner with them to give back to our boots-on-the ground.”

The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the only distilleries that has its own fire brigade, staffed by 34 distillery workers who volunteer their time to protect the distillery and the Tennessee Whiskey they work so hard to create.

“I know first-hand the amount of courage and skill required to serve as a firefighter. I also know that those who volunteer to protect their communities need a great deal of support to do so safely and effectively,” said Fred Elliott, Fire and Security Specialist at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “As a member of the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade for more than 14 years, I’m proud to be a part of this important community while also working for a company that champions it. Firefighters are an integral part of the Jack Daniel’s story, from those who help us make our whiskey to those who work to protect it, and we are honored to be able to give back through this partnership with the NVFC.”

In addition to the fundraising efforts, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will also launch a contest for 50 firefighters to win a trip to the Jack Daniel Distillery to attend a concert featuring country artist Chase Rice. The intimate weekend will include a Jack Daniel Distillery Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade, and the private concert. Additionally, one lucky consumer and a guest will have the chance to meet these heroes and join them in their celebratory weekend through a separate sweepstakes, which opens March 18.

“I have the utmost respect for our first responders and all they sacrifice for our safety,” shared Chase Rice. “There’s a camaraderie and a sense of pride in the fire brigade that reminds me of our road family, and as a long-time fan of both Jack Daniel’s and Tennessee Fire, it’s an honor to perform for them and raise a glass to their immense contributions.”

To enter the sweepstakes or support the cause, visit www.jackfire.com.   

About Jack Daniel’s

The volunteer fire department at the Jack Daniel Distillery has the distinction of not only helping make Jack Daniel’s, but also protecting it. Now, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire is giving back to volunteer firefighters nationwide by contributing $75,000 to the NVFC. Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

About Chase Rice

Country music maverick Chase Rice has become one of country music’s most exciting figures since arriving in Nashville, building a loyal fan base across the country through his energetic live shows and gaining the attention of music critics and industry professionals alike with his edgy, eclectic sound. The Tar Heel State native recently released his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, with new label Broken Bow Records. The first single from Lambs & Lions, “Three Chords & The Truth,” was a Top 20 hit and the follow-up, “Eyes On You,” has been streamed over 100 million times and is now Top 15 and quickly climbing at country radio. Rice’s debut album Ignite the Night debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, and produced a pair of Top 5 hits, the Platinum-certified “Ready Set Roll” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight.” After supporting Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour, Rice consistently sold out 2,500-3,000 seat venues on his headlining JD and Jesus Tour, Everybody We Know Does Tour and Lambs & Lions Tour. He recently served as direct support Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018 and headlined a U.K. run in advance of his highly-anticipated Eyes On You Tour, currently underway. For more information visit www.chaserice.com. 

About the NVFC

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. NVFC membership includes more than 24,000 individuals, departments, state associations and corporate supporters. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.

SMOKEHEAD REVEAL

MOTORCYCLE COLLABORATION 

‘The Smoker’ will be a bespoke motorcycle expertly crafted by the Ducati Whisperer, Tyler Lunceford 

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky has teamed up with renowned global biking sensation Tyler Lunceford (known as the Ducati Whisperer of the New York tri-state), challenging him to create his boldest motorcycle ever. The project will follow the creation of a customised Ducati bike, captured through a series of episodes*.

US born, Tyler has a workshop in Brooklyn where he has customised bikes for many obsessive bikers and rock stars. He recently moved to Scotland and opened a workshop in Leith, Edinburgh and will produce a custom Ducati, inspired by vintage racing motorcycles, for Smokehead to showcase at key events. The project will run until September 2019, when the finished model, ‘The Smoker’, will be unleashed.

DOWNLOAD TRAILER: https://we.tl/t-hRUGHcPeLs

*FULL EPISODE NO. 1: https://www.smokehead.com/the-refinery

Commenting on the partnership, Tyler Lunceford, of North Motorcycle, said: “I’m excited to be involved with Smokehead. I love the idea of this brand supporting craftsmen and women, and it’s even better as I’m a huge Smokehead whisky fan.

Motorcyclists have an identity; they feel independent and different from other people. When you find something you like, such as a bold, smoky, outrageous whisky that is not for everyone, it gives you a sense of belonging when it is for you.

I’m literally building my dream bike; it will be something that’s never been seen before, something so bold, that even motorbike buffs will be blown away. It won’t be easy, but it’s a great opportunity to make something really special.”

Adding his thoughts, Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, said: “We’re proud to be working with Tyler. His all-round attitude personifies Smokehead – bold, daring and independent. We can’t wait to see the bike unveiled. Just like Smokehead, motorbikes are not for everyone, but that’s okay, and that’s why this partnership works so well.”

The Smokehead Refinery
The campaign will share stories of partnerships with the boldest of craftsmen and women that Smokehead is proud to rub shoulders with. Chapter 1 of the project was unleashed in 2018, a successful partnership with Dram & Smoke creating a series of ‘Smokehead Feasts’ for media and trade across the UK. Chapter 2 celebrates the collaboration with Tyler.

In late 2018, Smokehead released Sherry Bomb, a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks; following hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, along with their louder and bolder look, which was unveiled in April.

*Smokehead encourages everyone to drink responsibly, and not to drink and ride*

www.smokehead.com

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NOTES :

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium Scotch whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste. 

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

BUNNAHABHAIN DISTILLERY TRANSFORMATION BEGINS

– £10.5 million investment programme over three years – 

A three year refurbishment programme has begun at Bunnahabhain Distillery on Islay, as its owners, spirits and wine producer, Distell International invests £10.5m in an extensive upgrade and refresh of the iconic distillery.

Located in the most northerly point of the island, Bunnahabhain has experienced many changes over the years. As part of the upgrade, a number of the original buildings will be carefully restored to their former glory giving them a new lease of life, whilst others will be removed and relocated to create more space, allowing for better operational flow across the site and to enhance the experience for visitors to the distillery.

A key focal point for the development programme is the creation of a new ‘brand home’ and visitor centre. This will also feature a café and retail space and will be positioned along the shoreline with stunning views overlooking Bunnahabhain Bay and the Sound of Islay. This is one of the first new buildings to be progressed and the plan is for the brand home to be ready to welcome visitors for the start of the 2020 season.

Some of the existing warehouses are in the process of being removed from their current shoreline positioning to enable the visitor centre to be located there. Work has already commenced with the demolition of four warehouse buildings, as well as the start of upgrades to the existing pumphouse. So far, over 99% of the materials processed during the demolition have been recycled with the majority retained for re-use at the distillery. This recycling rate is in line with the ambition to reduce the potential impact of the works.

Other areas being improved include the build of a new filling store, refurbishment of the production building and also the series of six cottages alongside the distillery, which will eventually be used for holiday accommodation.

The development schedule and phasing of activity have been carefully designed to ensure minimal disruption to whisky production and to the visitor experience during this timeframe.

Bunnahabhain embodies the character of the island, its non-peated flavour exposes the coastal location of the warehouses and the affect the salty spray of the sea has on the whisky. All of the single malt whisky in the Bunnahabhain brand will continue to be matured at the distillery, only metres from the shoreline.

Derek Scott, Brand Director for Malts at Distell International, said: 

“Our investment programme, here at Bunnahabhain, is about improving the operational side of our distillery for the long term future. We are restoring our buildings to their former glory and providing a visitor experience where we don’t just welcome visitors, after the long winding journey to get here, we help them enjoy a piece of Bunnahabhain life.

“The plans aim to make the navigation of the site much easier for the visitor and to, in simple terms, declutter it. This will ensure the buildings are more efficient from a storage point of view and located in better suited, more accessible locations to the production buildings. Furthermore, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of the works. The whisky industry is starting to be more environmentally aware and our achievement of recycling over 99% of materials shows, with a little bit of extra effort, it is remarkable what we can achieve.

“Bunnahabhain has a special place in Islay’s whisky heritage and we are committed to retaining this by turning Bunnahabhain Bay into a world-class whisky destination of choice. As the most remote and northerly distillery on the island, our transformation will give those who have made the journey time to pause, forget about the rest of the world and enjoy the serene surroundings.”

Notes

About Distell

• Distell is Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders, scotch whisky and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) with a portfolio of close on 100 brands.
• Within the portfolio, Distell owns four single malts and a number of scotch brands produced across three distillery sites.
• The three distilleries include: Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay; Deanston in Doune, Perthshire and Tobermory based on the Isle of Mull.
• With a global network of offices and distribution partners, the company employs nearly 5000 people worldwide and has an annual turnover of R14.2 billion. (£1.09 billion)
• In Scotland, the company’s operations are based in East Kilbride where it has a bottling hall, with blending and warehousing facilities at Airdrie, both near Glasgow.
• Distell is the 2015 “Distiller of the Year” award winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

For more visit: www.distell.co.za